Aging is a funny thing . . . isn't it???

Our very own Indiana native comedian, Jim Gaffigan, observes that nobody really thinks of themselves as old. Then reality slaps us across the face. He notes a particular “slap” when he met a fellow college alumnus who was born the same year he graduated. Wake-up call!

Aging is a complex, often contradictory process filled with inevitable changes, but they often come with humorous benefits. It’s frequently described as a time when, as another comedian noted, “your joints make the same noises as your coffee maker,” yet it brings a sense of freedom, and almost relief, after the pressures of youth.

The Good Stuff

There are many coming-of-old-age benefits: wisdom, an increased sense of freedom, heightened self-acceptance, deeper relationships, and an appreciation for life’s simpler pleasures. The rewards are enhanced personal growth, stronger confidence, less worry, and an overall more fulfilling life.

Many people offer advice on accepting the inevitability of growing old. Mark Twain famously said, “Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.” And he added the more poignant, “Do not complain about growing old. It is a privilege denied to many.”

Meryl Streep once said: “You learn to walk more slowly, but with greater certainty.” And the great line from George Bernard Shaw; “You don’t stop laughing when you grow old, you grow old when you stop laughing.” Andy Rooney wisely noted, “It’s paradoxical that the idea of living a long life appeals to everyone, but the idea of getting old doesn’t appeal to anyone.”

Here are some “funny” things you may have noticed about getting older:

• Most of your movements seem to have sound effects

• You carry snacks, as any responsible adult should

• You have constant awareness of what time it is

• Your back goes out more than you do

• You find yourself daydreaming about a nap

• You think TikTok is the sound a clock makes

• You use a calculator when tipping at a restaurant

• You have no idea what TTYL or TBH means

• You find yourself watching Matlock and Murder She Wrote

• You refer to the remote as “the clicker” – and you’re constantly looking for it

• You have a newfound audacity that allows non-processed thoughts to be spoken out loud

• You find yourself looking for glasses that are on top of your head

• Your joints are more accurate at predicting rain than your local meteorologist

• You sometimes look for your cell phone….WHILE you’re on it!

• You’ve tried at-home wrinkle remedies like Vick’s and Preparation-H, only to spend the rest of the day hidden away to recover from the rash

• You consider “friends with benefits” someone who can drive at night

• You’ve secretly recruited a friend to pluck unwanted facial hairs in case you’re ever in a coma

• Your favorite pastime is an episode of "Jeopardy" and a bag of Doritos

• You find yourself highly entertained by infomercials

• You realize your favorite band has become elevator music

• You’ve purchased one of those tiny “nightlights” to help you read menus

• You’ve suddenly adopted wearing outrageous colors and patterns

• You find yourself suspicious of every phone call you receive

• You now brag about your age instead of lying about it

We’re having some fun here, but there are very real issues that accompany aging that are not to be taken lightly. If you or a loved one begins experiencing signs that are beyond what is considered normal aging, or the ability to enjoy life on current terms becomes difficult or unattainable, it may be time to seek advice, especially for physical and cognitive decline changes.

Although not everyone welcomes the passing years with grace and humor, it’s important to find ways to accept, embrace, and especially to enjoy the privilege of getting older. After all, don’t we spend our lives pursuing ways to lengthen it?

If changes have you thinking about a new living scenario for yourself or a loved one, visit our American Senior Communities website to explore the lifestyle and care options.

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